After a breakout 2021-22 season in which he scored 31 points, Calgary Flames blueliner Oliver Killington will take a leave of absence from the team in September 2022 to focus on his mental health in his native Sweden.
Killington will ultimately miss the entire 2022-23 season and return to Calgary ahead of this season. Although he experienced setbacks in his recovery, he remained in the city to work with medical professionals. After an adjustment period in the AHL, he returned to the Flames’ lineup in January. For the past six games, he has played on the third pair and displayed his trademark skating and ability to move the puck.
Killington spoke to TSN’s Salim Varji about his return to the NHL, his mental health and his future with the organization heading into unrestricted free agency.
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TSN: It’s been a few games. How did you feel as the season started?
Killington: “I feel good. I feel pretty good. I know I have more of myself to show, but other than that I feel really good.”
TSN: What was the biggest adjustment in coming back?
Killington: “Physically, I’m fine. I feel like it wasn’t a big adjustment for me. I’m finally getting back to my routine and getting used to it. [the routines]. This transition feels very natural to me, and I feel like the staff has helped me a lot and I’ve been able to get used to it quickly. It was good. It was very easy to come back. ”
TSN: Was there a moment when you felt like you were back?
Killington: “Not really. It was the first time I felt that strongly. [game].i felt [the support] Look around. That was very moving. I was very grateful and grateful for that, but I never had an “aha” moment. I know what I can do outside and I think I showed it. It’s never been a confidence issue for me when it comes to playing hockey. ”
TSN: This recent road trip was a great opportunity to get How to get to know everyone?
Killington: “It was great. I have a lot of old faces and new faces. The new faces were great too. [we’ve] A good bond was formed. It’s so nice to see new faces and get to know them. Overall, my return felt very good. I know I need to move forward, but I feel like I’m taking the steps that I want to take and I feel like I’m in a good space. ”
TSN: What’s the next step?
Killington: “In a competitive sense. I know I can get better and I know I’m doing a good job right now, but it’s just the competitive brain that comes out when I’m playing that I can always get better. I know that. I don’t feel any pressure at all. I know that I’m playing well right now, and I just want to progress and play better and be at the top. [defenceman] You can do it. ”
TSN: Going back to your absence, can you reveal what you experienced during your time away from the sport?
Killington: “There have been many different parts to the journey of what I’ve been through. I’m just grateful to the team and the entire organization for supporting me on the journey I’ve been on. Of course, I have to face… There were many difficulties and challenges, but everyone was very supportive and allowed me to face my own path. I felt great support from everyone.”
TSN: What was a typical day like for you during that period?
Killington: “Every day is so different. It’s hard to put into words how I felt every day. I feel like when it’s not related to hockey, I don’t think about hockey as much. You’re very close to your family. I had to take a different path to look at life in general because I’m dealing with related things. Hockey wasn’t a priority at the time. Naturally, I had to get used to what was going on. You were confused because I didn’t, but I just tried to surround myself with good people. I had a really good support system with friends and family. Obviously, that’s due to their guidance and stuff like that. It helped a lot.”
TSN: Does going through something like that teach you anything about yourself or life?
Killington: “I think you have to do that. I think you have to face the reality of whatever it is and face it. And then you know that there are going to be tough times and there are going to be days when you’re not at your best.” But looking back now, I think it made me a lot stronger. I was able to see different sides of myself and understand life in general and how it works. I am very humbled and grateful.”
TSN: It seems like mental health is being talked about more openly in the hockey world. Did you notice that?
Killington: Indeed. We are all human. We all have different challenges in life. I think it’s important to remember that because I think emotions are what drives us. So, as someone who grew up in a masculine environment, I think it’s important to talk about your feelings and become more educated. …So, it’s just an understanding. [how] Be comfortable sharing things and not feeling like someone doesn’t understand you and what you’re going through. ”
TSN: Lastly, there was a lot of talk about the future of the players. with this team (Killington is eligible as an unrestricted free agent this summer). Do you think the Flames are moving forward?
Killington: “I’m happy here. I think everyone knows that. I’ve been in this organization a long time and have built great relationships with people. I think we all know what you like about it. Let’s see what happens.”
